RUMOUR has it that there is an excellent Fleetwood Mac tribute band around. So good in fact that Mick Fleetwood introduces them on stage at every show and a former member of Mac tours with them occasionally.

Now Rumours of Fleetwood Mac are returning to Burnley Mechanics next week with their Hits to Blues tour.

Formed by ex-Merseybeats drummer Allan Cosgrove over two decades ago, the band is going from strength to strength.

The band is officially endorsed by the Mick Fleetwood himself who recorded a special video introduction for their shows.

“He might be doing another one for us soon, said Allan. “Mick’s behind us 100 per cent which is humbling, after all they don’t require us to spread the word about their music.”

On the last tour, guitarist Rick Vito (who replaced Lindsay Buckingham in the Eighties) appeared with the band.

“It was a great honour,” said Allan. “Sadly, he won’t be with us on this tour, but hopefully he’ll be back towards the end of next year.”

Fleetwood Mac are one of the biggest bands in the world. In their early stage of their career, led by Peter Green, they were primarily a blues act and enjoyed success with hits like Albatross and Oh Well.

Following many changes, the band reinvented themselves and had a string of hits including Little Lies, Dreams and The Chain (well known to anyone who follows Formula One).

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac showcase the whole career of the legendary band.

“It’s an honour to play these songs,” says Allan. “The bands’ catalogue are the songs of my life and there’s nearly six decades’ worth of material.”

For the current tour Allan won’t be behind the drums, his p[lace being taken by Paul Walsh and there’s also a new bassist, Etienne Gerrard.

“They both have a great love and appreciation for the music, especially the Peter Green material,” said Allan.

Does the tour’s title mean that the band will be showcasing the earlier blues songs?

“Not unduly,” said Allan. “ We have expanded that part of the set and revisited those tracks.

“They do give us a bit of poetic licence, but you can’t get away from the ‘big’ numbers.”

Allan oversees the whole show.

“It’s certainly hard work,” he said. “There’s six months’ of work going into 60 dates. There are eight of us on stage and a technical crew.

“We are kept on our toes and the show is forever expanding. As I said, it’s hard work, but it’s well worth it.”

The whole band always looks forward to touring.

“Every single venue is special,” said Allan. “And that’s because the people come out to join the party. You just dream of doing something like this.

“But I have to say that Burnley last time out was very special, a complete sell-out and a fantastic atmosphere.”

Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac, Burnley Mechanics, Friday, November 25. Details from 01282 664400.